Highlights:

Step 1: Repair Small Tears

Use a putty knife to force some sheet-floor adhesive (available at home centers) underneath the edge or flap of the nick or tear (Image 1). Use a brick or heavy book as a weight to hold the flap down until the adhesive has hardened. Use some painter's masking tape to prevent the adhesive from adhering to the weight (Image 2).

Step 2: Repair the Seams

Use a putty knife to scrape away any excess adhesive or dirt that's underneath the edge (Image 1), and then apply sheet-floor adhesive beneath the seam. Press the seam down (Image 2) and use a seam roller to smooth out the edge. Again, use a brick or heavy object to hold the edge down as the adhesive hardens.

Step 3: Repair Badly Damaged Areas

For a badly damaged area, or a cigarette burn (Image 1), cut out the affected area and replace it with a patch. Use extra vinyl flooring from when the floor was installed, or cut and peal up a patch from an inconspicuous area, such as beneath a refrigerator, dishwasher or at the back of a pantry or closet. Place the patch piece over the damaged area, and use a straight-edge and utility knife to cut through both pieces simultaneously (Image 2). If the flooring has a bold pattern, cut along the pattern through the patch piece and the floor below. This will visually hide the seam of the patch. Use a putty knife to lift and scrape up the damaged piece, removing it from the sub-floor. Scrape away as much adhesive residue as you can. Apply adhesive to the back of your cut patch, and carefully position it in place where the old piece was removed (Image 3). Use bricks to hold the patch down until the adhesive sets.